Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office

We pursue our national interests and project the UK as a force for good in the world. We promote the interests of British citizens, safeguard the UK’s security, defend our values, reduce poverty and tackle global challenges with our international partners.



Secretary of State

 Portrait

Yvette Cooper
Foreign Secretary

Shadow Ministers / Spokeperson
Liberal Democrat
Lord Purvis of Tweed (LD - Life peer)
Liberal Democrat Lords Spokesperson (Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs)
Calum Miller (LD - Bicester and Woodstock)
Liberal Democrat Spokesperson (Foreign Affairs)

Conservative
Priti Patel (Con - Witham)
Shadow Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs

Green Party
Ellie Chowns (Green - North Herefordshire)
Green Spokesperson (Foreign Affairs)
Junior Shadow Ministers / Deputy Spokesperson
Conservative
Lord Callanan (Con - Life peer)
Shadow Minister (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
Wendy Morton (Con - Aldridge-Brownhills)
Shadow Minister (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
Junior Shadow Ministers / Deputy Spokesperson
Conservative
Andrew Rosindell (Con - Romford)
Shadow Parliamentary Under Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs)
Alec Shelbrooke (Con - Wetherby and Easingwold)
Shadow Parliamentary Under Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs)
Ministers of State
Stephen Doughty (LAB - Cardiff South and Penarth)
Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
Parliamentary Under-Secretaries of State
Lord Collins of Highbury (Lab - Life peer)
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
Hamish Falconer (Lab - Lincoln)
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
Seema Malhotra (LAB - Feltham and Heston)
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
Chris Elmore (Lab - Bridgend)
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
There are no upcoming events identified
Debates
Thursday 20th November 2025
Select Committee Inquiry
Thursday 27th March 2025
The UK Government’s China Audit

Although China is the UK’s fifth largest trading partner, the UK Government has, in recent years, described China as an …

Written Answers
Friday 21st November 2025
Development Aid: Women
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what proportion of UK bilateral aid was spent …
Secondary Legislation
Tuesday 30th September 2025
Iran (Sanctions) (Nuclear) (EU Exit) (Amendment) Regulations 2025
These Regulations amend the Iran (Sanctions) (Nuclear) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (“the 2019 Regulations”) to reflect the United Nations (“UN”) …
Bills
Wednesday 10th September 2025
Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction Bill 2024-26
A Bill to make provision for and in connection with the implementation by the United Kingdom of the Agreement under …
Dept. Publications
Friday 21st November 2025
16:36

Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office Commons Appearances

Oral Answers to Questions is a regularly scheduled appearance where the Secretary of State and junior minister will answer at the Dispatch Box questions from backbench MPs

Other Commons Chamber appearances can be:
  • Urgent Questions where the Speaker has selected a question to which a Minister must reply that day
  • Adjornment Debates a 30 minute debate attended by a Minister that concludes the day in Parliament.
  • Oral Statements informing the Commons of a significant development, where backbench MP's can then question the Minister making the statement.

Westminster Hall debates are performed in response to backbench MPs or e-petitions asking for a Minister to address a detailed issue

Written Statements are made when a current event is not sufficiently significant to require an Oral Statement, but the House is required to be informed.

Most Recent Commons Appearances by Category
Oct. 28
Oral Questions
Nov. 20
Urgent Questions
Nov. 18
Westminster Hall
Nov. 05
Adjournment Debate
View All Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office Commons Contibutions

Bills currently before Parliament

Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office does not have Bills currently before Parliament


Acts of Parliament created in the 2024 Parliament

Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office has not passed any Acts during the 2024 Parliament

Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office - Secondary Legislation

These Regulations amend the Iran (Sanctions) (Nuclear) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (“the 2019 Regulations”) to reflect the United Nations (“UN”) obligations imposed in relation to Iran by virtue of paragraph 12 of UN Security Council Resolution 2231 (2015).
This Order approves the making of payments on behalf of the Government of the United Kingdom to the International Development Association (the “Association”) of sums not exceeding £1,980 million as a contribution to the Twenty-First Replenishment of the Association. The payments approved by this Order will be made pursuant to Resolution No. 255 adopted by the Board of Governors of the Association on 15th April 2025. The Order also provides for the redemption of non-interest-bearing and non-negotiable notes issued by the Secretary of State pursuant to arrangements between the Government and the Association.
View All Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office Secondary Legislation

Petitions

e-Petitions are administered by Parliament and allow members of the public to express support for a particular issue.

If an e-petition reaches 10,000 signatures the Government will issue a written response.

If an e-petition reaches 100,000 signatures the petition becomes eligible for a Parliamentary debate (usually Monday 4.30pm in Westminster Hall).

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Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office has not participated in any petition debates
View All Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office Petitions

Departmental Select Committee

Foreign Affairs Committee

Commons Select Committees are a formally established cross-party group of backbench MPs tasked with holding a Government department to account.

At any time there will be number of ongoing investigations into the work of the Department, or issues which fall within the oversight of the Department. Witnesses can be summoned from within the Government and outside to assist in these inquiries.

Select Committee findings are reported to the Commons, printed, and published on the Parliament website. The government then usually has 60 days to reply to the committee's recommendations.


11 Members of the Foreign Affairs Committee
Emily Thornberry Portrait
Emily Thornberry (Labour - Islington South and Finsbury)
Foreign Affairs Committee Member since 11th September 2024
John Whittingdale Portrait
John Whittingdale (Conservative - Maldon)
Foreign Affairs Committee Member since 21st October 2024
Abtisam Mohamed Portrait
Abtisam Mohamed (Labour - Sheffield Central)
Foreign Affairs Committee Member since 21st October 2024
Uma Kumaran Portrait
Uma Kumaran (Labour - Stratford and Bow)
Foreign Affairs Committee Member since 21st October 2024
Dan Carden Portrait
Dan Carden (Labour - Liverpool Walton)
Foreign Affairs Committee Member since 21st October 2024
Aphra Brandreth Portrait
Aphra Brandreth (Conservative - Chester South and Eddisbury)
Foreign Affairs Committee Member since 21st October 2024
Edward Morello Portrait
Edward Morello (Liberal Democrat - West Dorset)
Foreign Affairs Committee Member since 28th October 2024
Richard Foord Portrait
Richard Foord (Liberal Democrat - Honiton and Sidmouth)
Foreign Affairs Committee Member since 28th October 2024
Phil Brickell Portrait
Phil Brickell (Labour - Bolton West)
Foreign Affairs Committee Member since 16th December 2024
Alex Ballinger Portrait
Alex Ballinger (Labour - Halesowen)
Foreign Affairs Committee Member since 16th December 2024
Fleur Anderson Portrait
Fleur Anderson (Labour - Putney)
Foreign Affairs Committee Member since 27th October 2025
Foreign Affairs Committee: Upcoming Events
Foreign Affairs Committee - Private Meeting
24 Nov 2025, 1 p.m.
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Foreign Affairs Committee - Oral evidence
Joint meeting of the UK Foreign Affairs Committee and the Ukrainian Committee on Foreign Policy and Inter-Parliamentary Cooperation’
25 Nov 2025, 3 p.m.
At 3:30pm: Oral evidence
Pavel Fischer - Foreign Committee Chairman at Czech Senate
Agnieszka Pomaska - Chair of the EU Affairs Committee at Polish Parliament
Heikki Autto - Chair of the Defence Committee at Finnish Parliament
Ivanna Klympush-Tsintsadze - Chair of the Parliamentary Committee on Integration of Ukraine to the EU at Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine

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Foreign Affairs Committee: Previous Inquiries
Environmental diplomacy The Myanmar crisis Coronavirus: FCDO response The UK and Iran The FCDO and the Integrated Review The FCO's human rights work in 2013 Gibraltar The UK's relations with Hong Kong: 30 years after the Joint Declaration FCO performance and finances 2013-14 Hong Kong Russia and Ukraine Overseas Territories FCO consular services UK policy towards Iran UK Government policy on the Kurdistan Region of Iraq The future of the BBC World Service Developments in Libya The fight against ISIL: the UK's role inquiry FCO budget and capacity inquiry Libya: Examination of intervention and collapse and the UK's future policy options inquiry Costs and benefits of EU membership for the UK's role in the world inquiry Foreign policy developments Progress of the Iraq Inquiry British Foreign policy and the 'Arab Spring': follow-up Appointment of Lord Hill of Oareford to the European Commission Hong Kong: China's ban on the Committee's visit Government foreign policy towards the United States Foreign and Commonwealth Office performance and finances 2012-13 Departmental Annual Report 2010-11 FCO Public Diplomacy: The Olympic and Paralympic Games 2012 FCO's Human Rights Work 2010-11 Overseas Territories British foreign policy and the 'Arab Spring' FCO's human rights work in 2011 The future of the European Union: UK Government policy The role and future of the Commonwealth UK's relations with Saudi Arabia and Bahrain The UK's response to extremism and political instability in North and West Africa The UK’s influence in the UN inquiry The UK’s response to hurricanes in its Overseas Territories inquiry Global Britain inquiry The Commonwealth Summit inquiry Responsibility to protect and humanitarian intervention inquiry Russian corruption and the UK inquiry Session with Minister of State for Africa inquiry The Foreign and Commonwealth Office’s Human Rights Work inquiry The Foreign and Commonwealth Office’s preparations for the World Cup inquiry The Western Balkans inquiry The future of the UK Overseas Territories inquiry Global Britain and India inquiry Global Britain: FCO skills inquiry The work of the Minister of State for the Middle East Global Britain and South America inquiry Global Britain: The future of UK sanctions policy inquiry FCO budget and capacity, and annual report 2017-18 inquiry Finding a diplomatic route: European responses to irregular migration inquiry The World Food Programme inquiry The Foreign and Commonwealth Office and Global media freedom inquiry Autocracies and UK Foreign Policy inquiry FCO secure communications and handling of classified information inquiry The future of Britain’s diplomatic relationship with Europe - follow up inquiry Beyond Aid: The UK’s Strategic Engagement in Africa inquiry Human rights: Freedom of religion and belief, and human rights defenders inquiry The Caucasus inquiry The UK and Iran’s regional role inquiry Economic foreign policy inquiry The UK’s policy towards the Middle East Peace Process inquiry UK relations with China inquiry The FCO policy on arms exports inquiry Evidence from HE Lord Llewellyn of Steep on his appointment as HM Ambassador to Paris inquiry Resignation of Lord Hill of Oareford from the European Commission inquiry FCO budget and capacity, and Annual Report 2015-16 inquiry Violence in Rakhine State inquiry China and the international rules-based system inquiry FCO budget and capacity, and annual report 2016-17 Oral evidence from the Foreign Secretary Kurdish aspirations and the interests of the UK inquiry The future of Britain’s diplomatic relationship with Europe inquiry Political Islam inquiry UK's relations with Russia inquiry Human rights inquiry The future operations of BBC monitoring inquiry Human Rights: Annual review of the work of the FCO inquiry UK's relations with Turkey inquiry Implications of leaving the EU for the UK's role in the world inquiry The UK’s role in strengthening multilateral organisations FCO-DFID merger Xinjiang detention camps Global health security Update to the UK's Integrated Review of Security, Defence, Development and Foreign Policy Critical minerals Western Balkans The UK’s engagement in Central Asia The UK’s international counter-terrorism policy The UK’s engagement with the Middle East and North Africa International relations within the multilateral system The BBC World Service: Is Britain Losing its Soft Power? Work of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office The Israeli-Palestinian Conflict The work of the British Council Soft power: a strategy for UK success? Disinformation diplomacy: How malign actors are seeking to undermine democracy The UK’s sanctions strategy The UK-EU reset: rebuilding a strategic partnership in uncertain times The UK at the United Nations Security Council The UK Government’s China Audit Beyond Aid: The UK’s Strategic Engagement in Africa Autocracies and UK Foreign Policy The future of Britain’s diplomatic relationship with Europe- follow up inquiry China and the international rules-based system Economic foreign policy Finding a diplomatic route: European responses to irregular migration FCO budget and capacity, and annual report 2017-18 The Foreign and Commonwealth Office and Global media freedom FCO secure communications and handling of classified information Human rights: Freedom of religion and belief, and human rights defenders Global Britain and South America Global Britain: The future of UK sanctions policy The work of the Minister of State for the Middle East Global Britain and India The future of the UK Overseas Territories Oral evidence from the Foreign Secretary The UK’s influence in the UN Session with Minister of State for Africa Responsibility to protect and humanitarian intervention The Caucasus The UK and Iran’s regional role The World Food Programme

50 most recent Written Questions

(View all written questions)
Written Questions can be tabled by MPs and Lords to request specific information information on the work, policy and activities of a Government Department

4th Nov 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what recent discussions she has had with her Nigerian counterparts on ongoing reports of (a) abduction and (b) forced marriage of Christian women and girls; and what steps she has taken to protect religious minority women in that country.

The UK Government condemns all violence against women and girls, including abduction and forced marriages, across Nigeria. Kidnapping for ransom is sadly a widespread practice in Nigeria, particularly in the Northwest where banditry is prevalent, and communities of all religions and beliefs have been vulnerable. Through the UK-Nigeria Security and Defence Partnership (SDP), a Multi-Agency Kidnap Fusion Cell (MAKFC) has been established to support cooperation between Nigeria's security and justice agencies. This is already operational and working to reduce the harm to victims and hold those responsible to account. On 11 November, the Minister for International Development and Africa discussed the root causes of insecurity in Nigeria during a meeting with Nigerian Foreign Minister Yusuf Tuggar. The UK's Forced Marriage Unit provides support to victims and those at risk of forced marriage, and advice to professionals through its public helpline and inbox, including in Nigeria.

Chris Elmore
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
12th Nov 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what plans she has to support John Smith Trust fellowship programmes during the Spending Review Period.

We are proud to be supporting the John Smith Trust this year to run their excellent fellowship programme in Eastern Europe and Central Asia, supporting leading professionals to take action in their countries on climate change. We are working through detailed decisions on how the Official Development Assistance budget will be used from 2026/27 to 2028/29, informed by internal and external consultation and impact assessments. We plan to publish indicative allocations for the next three years in the coming months.

Chris Elmore
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
12th Nov 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what recent assessment she has made of the potential impact of changes in territorial control in Sudan on the delivery of humanitarian aid.

I refer the Hon. Member to the responses provided during the Urgent Question debates on Sudan on 30 October and 5 November.

Chris Elmore
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
12th Nov 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps she is taking to ensure (a) safe and (b) sustained access for aid agencies in (i) El Fasher and (ii) other conflict-affected regions.

I refer the Hon. Member to the responses provided during the Urgent Question debates on Sudan on 30 October and 5 November.

Chris Elmore
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
12th Nov 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps her Department is taking to support international efforts to (a) document and (b) preserve evidence of atrocities committed in (i) El Fasher and (ii) other parts of Sudan; and whether she is providing (A) technical and (B) financial support to organisations engaged in such documentation.

I refer the Hon. Member to the responses provided during the Urgent Question debates on Sudan on 30 October and 5 November.

Chris Elmore
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
12th Nov 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment she has made of the potential implications of her policies of the designation of Nigeria as a country of particular concern by the US.

The UK Government does not comment on our partners' decisions on individual designations.

Chris Elmore
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
12th Nov 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what the current average waiting time for Academic Technology Approval Scheme applications to be processed is.

Most Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) applications are straight forward and 98% of applications during the past year were processed within 30 working days. Between 1 January 2025 to 13 November 2025, the Foreign, Commonwealth, & Development Office received 33,945 ATAS applications. 670 of those applications were delayed beyond 30 working days.

Chris Elmore
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
12th Nov 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, how many outstanding applications for Academic Technology Approval Scheme applications have waited for longer than 30 working days.

Most Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) applications are straight forward and 98% of applications during the past year were processed within 30 working days. Between 1 January 2025 to 13 November 2025, the Foreign, Commonwealth, & Development Office received 33,945 ATAS applications. 670 of those applications were delayed beyond 30 working days.

Chris Elmore
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
13th Nov 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what is the longest waiting time for a Academic Technology Approval Scheme application to be processed was in the last 12 months.

Most Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) applications are straight forward and 98% of applications during the past year were processed within 30 working days. Between 1 January 2025 to 13 November 2025, the Foreign, Commonwealth, & Development Office received 33,945 ATAS applications. 670 of those applications were delayed beyond 30 working days.

Chris Elmore
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
18th Nov 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment she has made of the impact of the Child Nutrition Fund on nutrition outcomes for women, children and new-borns in Nigeria.

I refer the Hon Member to the answer she was provided on 14 March in response to Question 35278.

Chris Elmore
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
18th Nov 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what proportion of UK bilateral aid was spent on tackling violence against women and girls in the 2024-5 financial year.

The requested figures are not yet available, but on the wider issue raised, I refer the Hon Member to the answer provided on 13 March 2025 to Question 33985.

Chris Elmore
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
10th Nov 2025
To ask His Majesty's Government what recent assessment they have made of the situation in Serbia regarding corruption, the rule of law, and restrictions on freedom of expression and the press; and whether they plan to review the United Kingdom’s support to Serbian state institutions, including through technical assistance, governance and justice sector cooperation, to ensure that all UK-funded programmes uphold democratic standards, transparency and accountability.

We remain concerned about shrinking civic space, pressures on independent media and slow progress on key reforms to strengthen rule of law and tackle corruption in Serbia. Recent steps such as progress on voter registration legislation are welcome, but need to be implemented. We continue to stress to Serbia's leadership the importance of respect for the rights to peaceful freedom of expression and assembly. UK-funded programmes, including technical assistance and governance cooperation, are designed and regularly assessed to support transparency, accountability, and good governance.

Baroness Chapman of Darlington
Minister of State (Development)
18th Nov 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps she is taking to (a) investigate (i) war crimes and (ii) genocide in Sudan and (b) support international efforts to (A) end violence and (B) protect civilians in that country; whether she plans to (1) impose targeted sanctions on those responsible for that violence and (2) prevent UK arms exports; and what plans her Department has to increase the (a) volume and (b) effectiveness of humanitarian aid in that country.

I refer the Hon. Member to the statement made by the Foreign Secretary on Sudan on 18 November, which addressed all these issues at length.

Chris Elmore
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
12th Nov 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 3 November 2025 to Question 84226 on Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, when he plans to communicate to Parliament the conclusion of the multiyear ODA funding allocation process.

The UK announced on 11 November that it will invest £850 million in the Global Fund's Eighth Replenishment. This is expected to save up to 1.3 million lives in the countries where the Global Fund works as well as helping to prevent the spread of diseases to the UK. Decisions on multi-year allocations are being worked through and announcements will be made in due course.

Chris Elmore
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
12th Nov 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what representations she has made to the parties to the conflict in Sudan on the operation of checkpoints hindering internally displaced persons’ access to safety (a) between El Fasher and Tawila and (b) elsewhere in Sudan.

I refer the Hon. Member to the statement on Sudan made to the House by the Foreign Secretary on 18 November.

Chris Elmore
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
13th Nov 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 5 November 2025 to Question 88230 on Chagos Islands: Marine Protected Area, whether Mauritius has provided information on the annual quota for each fish stock to be granted in the proposed (a) 612,611 km2 Conservation Zone, (b) 2,251 km2 Habitat Protection Zone and (c) 7,261 km2 Traditional Zone for Resettlement.

We welcome the 3 November announcement by the Mauritian government confirming plans for the establishment of a Marine Protected Area after entry into force of the Treaty. The proposed zones of the future protected area will utilise the internationally recognised categories of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

There will be no commercial fishing across the entire 640,000 square kilometre area. The Great Chagos Bank will be given one of the highest levels of protection, with the rest of the Marine Protected Area categorised as a highly protected conservation zone. There will be limited provision for controlled levels of artisanal fishing in confined zoned areas intended for resettlement, to allow for subsistence fishing by any Chagossian communities that resettle, while maintaining the commitment to nature conservation.

Stephen Doughty
Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
13th Nov 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, on what dates Chagos Contact Group (a) Ministers and (b) officials from her Department (i) have met with the Chagos Contact Group and (ii) plan to meet the Chagos Contact Group in the next twelve months.

The first meeting of the Contact Group, attended by myself and Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office officials, took place on 2 September 2025, and it will continue to meet quarterly as part of wider engagement between the UK Government and Chagossian representatives.

Stephen Doughty
Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
13th Nov 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether U.S. officials have (a) participated in and (b) been consulted on UK–Mauritius negotiations regarding the Chagos Islands and Diego Garcia since 2022.

As I stated in the House of Commons on 2 September, the UK-Mauritius treaty was tested at the highest levels of the United States' security establishment, across multiple agencies. The agreement has been backed by our key allies and international partners, including the US and all our Five Eyes partners.

Stephen Doughty
Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
13th Nov 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, if her Department will publish an updated list of the countries with which the UK has negotiated arrangements allowing British citizens to use automated border e-gates.

Approximately 54 ports currently provide UK nationals with access to eGates in countries including France, Italy, Ireland, Spain, Portugal, the Netherlands and Greece. Access arrangements within the Schengen Area may vary for day-to-day operational reasons, so this estimate is subject to change.

Stephen Doughty
Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
12th Nov 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what recent discussions she had had with international counterparts on the recent rise of violence against Christian communities in Hama, Syria.

I refer the Hon. Member to the answer given on 18 September to the question 74583.

Hamish Falconer
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
17th Nov 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps the Government is taking to support Palestinian refugees in Lebanon.

The UK plays a leading role in responding to the humanitarian needs of vulnerable groups across Lebanon.

This year, the UK has provided £15.5 million in programming budget support for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA). UNRWA programming supports Palestinians in Lebanon, Gaza, the West Bank, Jordan, and Syria. The UK's funding contributes to UNRWA's delivery of basic education, health, relief services, and humanitarian aid to Palestinians.

This financial year, the UK has also spent £33.5 million in humanitarian support focussed on Lebanon's most vulnerable and marginalised populations. This support includes a partnership with the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), which supports 'Makani' community centres across Lebanon, including in 11 Palestinian camps and gatherings. These centres provide Early Childhood Education and Retention Support to 1,200 vulnerable Palestinian children.

Hamish Falconer
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
17th Nov 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment has she made of the merits of providing intelligence support to US forces involved in Operation Southern Spear.

I refer the Hon. Member to the answer provided on 3 November to Question 85121.

Stephen Doughty
Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
14th Nov 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, when she last had discussions with her Israeli counterparts on (a) violence by Israeli settlers against Palestinians and (b) the expansion of Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank.

I refer the Hon. Member to the answers given on 29 July to question 66511, and on 3 September to question 71442.

Hamish Falconer
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
14th Nov 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what recent assessment she has made of the potential impact of Israeli settlement expansion on the viability of a future Palestinian state.

I refer the Hon. Member to the answers given on 29 July to question 66511, and on 3 September to question 71442.

Hamish Falconer
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
14th Nov 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what representations she has made to her Israeli counterparts on the rise in settler violence and forced displacement affecting Palestinian communities in the West Bank.

I refer the Hon. Member to the answers given on 29 July to question 66511, and on 3 September to question 71442.

Hamish Falconer
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
14th Nov 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps her Department is taking with international partners to ensure accountability for alleged violations of international humanitarian law in the West Bank.

I refer the Hon. Member to the answers given on 29 July to question 66511, and on 3 September to question 71442.

Hamish Falconer
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
17th Nov 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether she has had recent discussions with the BBC on journalists working for BBC Arabic who have made antisemitic and pro-Hamas comments.

It is crucial that the BBC upholds the highest standards of reporting and impartiality, so it remains the most trusted news source in the UK and overseas. The BBC has rightly acknowledged where coverage, standards and enforcement of those standards has fallen short. We welcome the actions taken by the BBC to strengthen editorial quality and standards for the BBC Arabic Service, as set out in the BBC Chair's letter to the Media, Culture and Sport Committee of 10 November, and we will continue to demand both rapid implementation and rigorous monitoring of those changes.

Chris Elmore
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
17th Nov 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what information her Department holds on the proportion of BBC Arabic’s funding that is drawn from (a) grants from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office and (b) the TV licence fee.

Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office grant funding to the BBC World Service does not allocate a specific amount to BBC Arabic.

Chris Elmore
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
17th Nov 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what discussions she has had with the Mexican Government concerning the proposed restrictions on the online expression of Catholic clergy; and what assessment she has made of the implications for freedom of religion or belief in Mexico.

The UK is committed to promoting freedom of religion or belief and freedom of expression globally. Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office officials discussed these issues with the Mexican Government during the Mexico-UK Human Rights Dialogues in January 2024 and May 2025. We understand that the bill proposed in Mexico's Congress to limit online expression by religious groups was withdrawn by its author following his engagement with faith groups. We continue to monitor developments.

Chris Elmore
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
17th Nov 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps she is taking to ensure that a diplomatic path is pursued by the USA and Venezuela.

The bilateral relationship between the USA and Venezuela is a matter for those countries. The UK will continue to work with our international partners to achieve a peaceful, negotiated transition in Venezuela that ensures the will of all Venezuelans is respected.

Chris Elmore
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
17th Nov 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps the Department is taking to ensure there are easy, accessible, diplomatic routes for ambassadors and high commissioners to utilise during travel to and from the United Kingdom.

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) regularly liaises with missions and airports to assist with the transit arrangements for ambassadors and high commissioners entering or leaving the UK, as well as other international visitors travelling to the UK on official business.

Chris Elmore
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
18th Nov 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether she has had recent discussions with Ambassadors to the Court of St James's on the payment of outstanding congestion charge debts by embassies.

I refer the Hon. Member to the Written Ministerial Statement laid in the House on 19 November concerning the Debts owed by Diplomatic Missions and International Organisations in the UK, Official Report, vol. 775, cols. 57WS-60WS.

Chris Elmore
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
13th Nov 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether she plans to hold an inquiry into the employment of Gila Ben-Yakov Phillips at the British Embassy in Tel Aviv.

I refer the Hon. Member to the answer given on 19 November to question 90113.

Hamish Falconer
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
17th Nov 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what recent engagement her Department has had with international partners on the 2025 Yemen Humanitarian Response Plan.

I refer the Hon. Member to the answer given on 29 October to question 83638.

Hamish Falconer
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
17th Nov 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment he has made of the implications for his Department’s policies of the Israel Defense Forces statement that it fired at two UN peacemakers.

The UK is concerned by reports of escalating strikes by Israel on Lebanon, and of United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) peacekeepers being affected by Israeli military activity. All necessary measures must be taken to protect UNIFIL personnel and premises and allow them to fulfil their mandate.

The UK continues to call for the full implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1701 and the Cessation of Hostilities agreement between Israel and Lebanese Hizballah. On my recent visit to Southern Lebanon, I repeated those calls, and reiterated the UK's support for Lebanon's plan to disarm non-state actors, including Lebanese Hizballah.

Hamish Falconer
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
17th Nov 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment the government has made of how the parties have respected the November 2024 ceasefire in Lebanon.

The UK is concerned by reports of escalating strikes by Israel on Lebanon, and of United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) peacekeepers being affected by Israeli military activity. All necessary measures must be taken to protect UNIFIL personnel and premises and allow them to fulfil their mandate.

The UK continues to call for the full implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1701 and the Cessation of Hostilities agreement between Israel and Lebanese Hizballah. On my recent visit to Southern Lebanon, I repeated those calls, and reiterated the UK's support for Lebanon's plan to disarm non-state actors, including Lebanese Hizballah.

Hamish Falconer
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
17th Nov 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what discussions she has had with her Israeli counterpart about the continued Israeli bombing in south Lebanon and the Bekaa Valley.

The UK is concerned by reports of escalating strikes by Israel on Lebanon, and of United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) peacekeepers being affected by Israeli military activity. All necessary measures must be taken to protect UNIFIL personnel and premises and allow them to fulfil their mandate.

The UK continues to call for the full implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1701 and the Cessation of Hostilities agreement between Israel and Lebanese Hizballah. On my recent visit to Southern Lebanon, I repeated those calls, and reiterated the UK's support for Lebanon's plan to disarm non-state actors, including Lebanese Hizballah.

Hamish Falconer
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
17th Nov 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what diplomatic steps the Government is taking to help ensure a ceasefire in Lebanon.

The UK is concerned by reports of escalating strikes by Israel on Lebanon, and of United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) peacekeepers being affected by Israeli military activity. All necessary measures must be taken to protect UNIFIL personnel and premises and allow them to fulfil their mandate.

The UK continues to call for the full implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1701 and the Cessation of Hostilities agreement between Israel and Lebanese Hizballah. On my recent visit to Southern Lebanon, I repeated those calls, and reiterated the UK's support for Lebanon's plan to disarm non-state actors, including Lebanese Hizballah.

Hamish Falconer
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
17th Nov 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what discussions she has had with her Israeli counterpart about Israel’s occupation of parts of south Lebanon.

The UK is concerned by reports of escalating strikes by Israel on Lebanon, and of United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) peacekeepers being affected by Israeli military activity. All necessary measures must be taken to protect UNIFIL personnel and premises and allow them to fulfil their mandate.

The UK continues to call for the full implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1701 and the Cessation of Hostilities agreement between Israel and Lebanese Hizballah. On my recent visit to Southern Lebanon, I repeated those calls, and reiterated the UK's support for Lebanon's plan to disarm non-state actors, including Lebanese Hizballah.

Hamish Falconer
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
17th Nov 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment she has made of the statement of 14 November 2025 by the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon that Israel’s wall in southern Lebanon has crossed the Blue Line and made 4000sq metres of Lebanese territory inaccessible to Lebanese people.

The UK is concerned by reports of escalating strikes by Israel on Lebanon, and of United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) peacekeepers being affected by Israeli military activity. All necessary measures must be taken to protect UNIFIL personnel and premises and allow them to fulfil their mandate.

The UK continues to call for the full implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1701 and the Cessation of Hostilities agreement between Israel and Lebanese Hizballah. On my recent visit to Southern Lebanon, I repeated those calls, and reiterated the UK's support for Lebanon's plan to disarm non-state actors, including Lebanese Hizballah.

Hamish Falconer
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
12th Nov 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps her Department is taking to help establish diplomatic relations with Palestine.

The Foreign Secretary has exchanged letters with Palestinian Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr. Varsen Aghabekian Shahin, formally establishing diplomatic relations with Palestine.

Hamish Falconer
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
14th Nov 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what diplomatic steps she is taking to help ensure a lasting ceasefire in Gaza.

I refer the Hon. Member to the statement made on Gaza and Sudan by the Foreign Secretary on 18 November and the statement on the Middle East by the Prime Minister on 14 October, following his participation in the Gaza Peace Summit in Egypt on 13 October, where he addressed these issues at length.

Hamish Falconer
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
14th Nov 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether she has held discussions with international partners on the absence of a defined timeline for Israeli withdrawal from Gaza under the ceasefire agreement.

I refer the Hon. Member to the statement made on Gaza and Sudan by the Foreign Secretary on 18 November and the statement on the Middle East by the Prime Minister on 14 October, following his participation in the Gaza Peace Summit in Egypt on 13 October, where he addressed these issues at length.

Hamish Falconer
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
14th Nov 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps her Department is taking to ensure the participation of Palestinian representatives in post-ceasefire governance arrangements for Gaza.

I refer the Hon. Member to the statement made on Gaza and Sudan by the Foreign Secretary on 18 November and the statement on the Middle East by the Prime Minister on 14 October, following his participation in the Gaza Peace Summit in Egypt on 13 October, where he addressed these issues at length.

Hamish Falconer
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
14th Nov 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what the terms of reference are for the Civil Military Coordination Centre at Kiryat Gat.

I refer the Hon. Member to the answer provided on 28 October to Question 84235.

Hamish Falconer
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
14th Nov 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what Britain’s role is in the Civil Military Coordination Centre at Kiryat Gat.

I refer the Hon. Member to the answer provided on 28 October to Question 84235.

Hamish Falconer
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
14th Nov 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of the Civil Military Coordination Centre at Kiryat Gat on coordinating aid delivery into Gaza.

I refer the Hon. Member to the answer provided on 28 October to Question 84235.

Hamish Falconer
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
14th Nov 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what diplomatic steps she is taking to help ensure accountability for alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity committed in Gaza.

I refer the Hon. Member to the answer given on 19 September to Question 74226.

Hamish Falconer
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
14th Nov 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps her Department is taking to support international efforts to document and investigate alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza.

I refer the Hon. Member to the answer given on 19 September to Question 74226.

Hamish Falconer
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)